You’ve chosen to employ a groomer to help your dog look their finest, but how do you approach locating the ideal person for the task? You want to employ someone that makes your dog smell fresh and clean, but simultaneously you need to confirm it’s someone that you can rely on.
You may even want to inquire with your veterinarian who they might suggest, but in case you don’t have resources available, there are a few considerations to remember when looking for the perfect dog groomer.
Questions to ask
One of the initial questions to pose to a potential groomer is “What do you charge?” The second question to pose should be “When are you available?” While these are significant questions to pose, there are other factors to consider when looking for the perfect pet salon for your dog.
How long have you been grooming dogs?
Where did you learn to groom dogs?
What are your credentials?
Do you have any type of certification or do you belong to a particular organization?
What type of dogs do you specialize in?
Small breed dogs, large breed, or my breed of dog?
Am I able to come in and inspect your facility?
Will I be able to watch you groom my dog?
How long will my pet be here? Where will you keep him while he waits?
When employing a pet groomer, don’t hesitate to pose questions, and if the groomer in question is uncomfortable responding to any of YOUR questions, then consider consulting another groomer at another salon. You want to feel at ease dropping off your dog knowing he’s going to be both beautiful and safe until you return to collect him.
Certifications
There are three organizations in the United States that certify pet groomers for both competency and skill. These agencies include:
National Dog Groomers Association of America International Professional Groomers, Inc International Society of Canine Cosmetologists
While a dog groomer might be a member of any, or all three of these organizations, they may or may not be certified. If they have been certified, it indicates they have undergone voluntary testing, both written and in the field to be certified.
The highest level of certification a dog groomer can achieve is the Master Groomer Certification.
Those who are members of these organizations are dedicated to following a strict code of ethics. This includes the capability to care for your pet with the utmost care. You may contact any of the above organizations to verify if a groomer you wish to employ is a member of any, or all three.
The groomer you select might not be a member of an organization and there is nothing problematic with that, but groomers that are members ensures that they are in contact with a professional organization. They have access to training material, education and certification opportunities.
If you have any particular concerns about leaving your dog with a groomer, then by all means, voice them. It’s preferable to inform the groomer immediately that you’re concerned about your dog. Perhaps you’ve recently adopted a puppy and this is his very first visit, or maybe your dog is older and he has arthritis. Whatever the situation may be, inform the groomer so your mind is at ease before departing from the pet salon.
This post is brought to you by Rocky Mountain Pooper Scoopers. They proudly serve the Greater Salt Lake City area, including Sandy, West Jordan, and Taylorsville, offering dependable and affordable pet waste removal services. Call (385) 392-0791 today for your free estimate—weekly rates start at just $18.00. Visit their website at rockymountainpooperscoopers.com to read reviews and learn more.
Happy Tails!
